‘That’s a fine by the way, £10 for charity!’: Sam Allardyce calls out to journalist after their phone rings during the manager’s first press conference as Leeds manager
Sam Allardyce demanded a £10 fine from a journalist after their phone rang during his first press conference as Leeds manager.
The 68-year-old, who was appointed on Tuesday following the sacking of Javi Gracia at Elland Road, was answering a question when he was interrupted by a ringing telephone.
He may not have matched Roy Keane’s famous diatribe on a similar incident during his time as Ipswich manager, but Allardyce was unwilling to let it go.
‘That’s a fine, by the way,’ he said without gasping for breath, because from his previous answer, ’10 quid for charity.’
He then asked what the local charity was before thanking the offending journalist for agreeing to donate £10 to the Leeds United foundation.
Sam Allardyce called a reporter whose phone rang during his first press conference as Leeds manager
While appearing relaxed while joking with the media, Allardyce has inherited a tough situation at Elland Road.
Leeds are currently outside the relegation zone on goal difference, but will be low on confidence after losing 4-1, 6-1, 5-1 and 4-1 in the last seven games.
In theory, Leeds could stand without taking another point, but it looks like a tall order with games against top six sides Manchester City, Newcastle and Tottenham, as well as potentially relegation-threatened West Ham in their last four games.
Allardyce exuded confidence on Wednesday despite the situation he faced.
The 68-year-old was appointed to the position on Tuesday following the departure of Javi Gracia
He gets four games against Man City, Tottenham, Newcastle and West Ham to keep Leeds afloat
The Yorkshire side will be low on confidence after crushing defeats to Liverpool, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Arsenal in the past seven games.
“People think I’m old and outdated. It’s so far from the truth,’ Allardyce said.
“There is no one for me in football terms – not Pep [Guardiola]not [Jurgen] Klopp, no [Mikel] Arteta.
They do what they do, I do what I do. But in terms of depth of knowledge, I’m right there with them. I’m not saying I’m better than them, but I’m just as good as them.’
Allardyce will be assisted by former MK Dons and Oxford manager Karl Robinson, while his old number 2 Sammy Lee is unable to join him as he is on jury duty. Former Leeds striker Robbie Keane will also join the staff.